David de Gea has backed Marcel Sabitzer to step in for the suspended Casemiro at Manchester United.
Casemiro was sent off during United’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at the weekend and is facing a three-game suspension following his altercation with Will Hughes.
The Brazilian international’s absence adds to Erik ten Hag’s problems in midfield, with Christian Eriksen sidelined until late April with an ankle injury and Scott McTominay also out.
Ten Hag added to his options with the deadline day signing of Sabitzer on loan from Bayern Munich and the 28-year-old came on as a substitute for his debut against Palace.
Ahead of run of games that will see the Red Devils face Leeds twice in quick succession before the first leg of their Europa League tie with Barcelona, De Gea has backed Sabitzer to step in and fill he void.
“It’s going to be tough, for sure,” said De Gea. “We already lost Christian, now Casemiro: big players for us. But we have a bigger squad, players are ready to play, everyone is really focused.
“Sabitzer showed already – he played 15 to 20 minutes and he did really well, made some good tackles, he is good with the ball. And, everyone is ready to play.”
De Gea discussed Sabitzer’s adaptation since arriving from Munich and was impressed with the midfielder’s short cameo on debut.
“He’s an experienced guy – he played a lot of games in the Bundesliga, is a nice guy – it’s good for the dressing room. It’s not easy to come in a game when we’re one man less, he showed good spirit, he’s going to help the team a lot.”
